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Ape Hangers...

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 4:18 pm
by djbear
When I get my First Bike, the only Mod I am currently interested in is Ape Hangers (I am total Old School), Can anyone give me information about...

Will it be easier or Harder to learn with or without?

Thanks

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 4:22 pm
by Gadjet
learn how to ride long before you ever change the handlebars. Once you are a competent rider, then you can start altering how the bike is controlled.

Don't forget that if you change the bars too much from stock, you are going to have to replace:

Throttle cables
choke cable (if bar mounted)
Clutch cable
Front brake lines

You will likely also need to replace all the wiring for the handlebar mounted switches, as the stock wiring will likely not be long enough.

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 2:48 am
by t_bonee
+1 Get a 1000 miles under your belt. Then look at get the new bars. I'm sure there is a difference in using ape hangers as opposed to regular bars that will take some getting used to. Wizzard may be able to off some advice on that.

I'd like to have a set of ape hangers on a bike myself someday. But who knows when.

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 3:11 pm
by djbear
Thanks for your responses
Just wanted to know if there was a Difference.

Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 3:12 pm
by Sev
It'll make things a lot tougher to learn, and it'll increase arm fatigue during riding because you're holding them up as opposed to down.

So I'm gonna goa +2 on the regular bars to learn.

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:27 am
by vulcanguy
First check with local law enforcement. Here in South Florida bars can only be as high as your shoulders when you are seated.

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:11 pm
by Wizzard
In Jan. of '05 California changed the law on apes not to exceed 6" above shoulder height .
After my back surgery I found that my apes help keep my back straight .
Apes are like elevated drag bars . Just another way to look at it .
And yes , I too , am old school .
Some times I think about changing to beach cruiser type bars and I have a couple of sets sitting around . However ,when I start thinking about it I also have to consider all the cables and things that Gadjet listed only in reverse . Not to mention that my darling spousette always talks me out of it ... :laughing:
Personally I've never found apes to be any harder to ride with than any other bar set up . Altho I don't think I could ever ride any of the sport bike set ups . The ergos just are not for me .
Best regards, Wizzard

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:31 pm
by thebighop
Ape hangers don't steer that well, and it's hell on your arms after a spell. And they just plain look stupid...There I said it..they're U-galee :puke:

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:42 pm
by jmillheiser
I would get a few thousand miles under your belt before you put apes on.

trying to learn low speed manuvering with ape hangers is pretty akin to learning low speed manuvering on a super sport, neither setup is conducive to low speed work and the learning curve would be quite steep for a new rider.

Posted: Thu May 04, 2006 4:19 am
by t_bonee
Ahh. I knew that we couldn't get through a thread without someone insulting someone else's personal choices of what they like.